We sit down with Benny Peek, an Ohio-based folk-punk soloist whose played Columbus many times. He recently concluded a brief tour, we get the details.

Tuned Up: What’s the current album you’re promoting & where can we find it ?

Benny Peek: I’ll choose to reveal it this way: my good friends in The Roof Dogs from Granville, Ohio released a music video for their song Howlin’ Like Dogs. It’s a splendidly directed video, and in one of the shots there’s a show flyer in the background that reads “The Roof Dogs and Benny Peek.” It’s a really clever nod, totally intentional. I’m hoping they’re cool with me confirming that it’s also a hint.

TUNED UP: If you can, share with us three anecdotes from the road from this tour.

Benny Peek: It wasn’t a very long tour but we didn’t have a lot of control over that. But it was great to reconvene with Run Rabit Run and Koi Offish again, serendipitously. We also played each show free of incident and very very smooth. Drama did kind of follow us around, if I may say so, but nothing too heavy. We lost our car keys, and the lock smith we received was enchanting. He drove us around and told great stories. A learning experience to say the least.

TUNED UP: The Adventure Kids seems like a good pairing with you. How did you get hooked up with with Albert?

Benny Peek: Albert’s always so positive and confident and that goes great as a counter. I tend to be over cautious and, I’m not afraid to admit, a tad conservative at times so it’s great to have a partner who’s so loose. His favorite phrases are “fuck yeah” and “you’re doing fine.” We also have a similar play style that puts the audience first, we like to check out our surroundings and wing it when we perform so nobody’s zonked or left out and I’m totally satisfied. We’re excited to tour together again some time.

TUNED UP: What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Benny Peek: New release finished before the next tour. Also merch and the things I want to do this year are costly, so I need to be more money minded. I’m working five and six day weeks at the restaurant right now, but learning to save takes training. But I won’t be touring as much with work, so money will probably stick. I also want to visit my cousins family in New Mexico and get a show in Park City.

TUNED UP: Any shoutouts you’d like to make?

Benny Peek: I just generally feel inspired again after two months of idleness and this miserable Licking County probation. It’s great to have friends who want to exchange goods and service like this, and we’re very lucky to experience community mindset so deliberately. Also Billy Mack blend coffee beans are an A+ brand that deserves exposure. Thanks for the show and the interview!

Relevant Links:
Benny Peek’s Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/Freakfolkohio
Benny Peek’s Bandcamp:
https://bennypeek.bandcamp.com

Written by Sandeep Sehbi